2009 New "Tree" Resolutions

Dark brown rough skin covers the delicate matters of the heart. Green fills its life, like the heart flows the body with blood. Orange, brown, and yellow signs of aging of another year like gray hairs to a senior citizen. Branches reaching out towards the heavens and yet holds the earth within its limbs. How deep the roots grow tapping into all the earth has to offer. No matter what the world has to offer it; it stands till its dying end. Whether it be rain, fire, or wind it adapts and overcomes by sometimes being strong or compromising but always standing firm.

Trees are beautiful during the spring and fall. During the spring it offers the freshness and newness of green leaves, which provide shelter for birds and little animals. Through out the fall the leaves change coloring the earth with splendor of golden age. Tall trees are rooted firmly into the ground. Winds blow allowing the trees to make music for our hearts.

Many branches are all supported by one trunk of a large tree, which bears much fruit of its labor. The trunk is the heart and the center of its life. Have you ever compared a tree to a human? In a tree there is "blood" or nourishment, which flows from the roots just as the blood circulates through the body. The trunk of the tree is the heart of a human. The many branches represent the many thoughts, which are produced. Some branches are broken as many thoughts are broken. The heart determines our views upon life and the views are our thoughts, which are rooted from the heart. What thoughts could be produced from the heart? "I choose not to believe in God." "I prayed and I am not what God made me to be". "I can't do anything right".

How one thinks must consider their thoughts carefully. Is one comparing themselves to others? Is the one that is thinking comparing themselves to God's word? When one compares themselves to others there is no truth in the heart of comparison. For God's word is truth. Consider: Luke 8:17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him." Luke 21:34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.

1 Corinthians 1:25 for the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. 26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. What is this writer trying to convey to us? The only way I can explain it is by a poem I wrote: I remember where there were three saplings, which made resolutions of what they would be once they became a tall tree.

The first sapling reached as far as it could and prayed, " I want to be able to hold the greatest treasure upon the earth" and that's what I want to be.

The second sapling reached as far as it could and prayed, " I want to be a strong vessel to explore the waters while carrying an important King."

The third sapling reached as far as it could and prayed, " I want to be important, strong, and the tallest tree so all upon the world will know what I bring."

Days, months, and years came as it brought about its storms and sunny days, which weathered the trees in growing strong and tall. The moment came when three log men came into the forest bearing sharp saws and axes to make these three trees fall. The first log man said to the first tree, "your perfect", and cut the first tree while he said, " You are beautiful and I'll make you into a chest."

The second log man said to the second tree, "your perfect", and cut the second tree while he said, "You will be my vessel and will look the best."

The third log man said to the proud third tree, "you will do," and cut the third tree while he said no words to comfort the third tree. Days went by and the three log men went to work, as they all should be.

The first tree was made into a feed chest to nourish the animals in the stable. The second tree was made into a simple fishing vessel for that is all it was able.

The third tree was brought to the lumberyard and left to lie on the ground. Years past for these three trees and soon they forgot their resolutions which were so profound.

Stars shone one silent night while a young woman gave birth and her husband took the chest in the stable and filled it with hay and laid the newborn in the chest. Then the first tree said, "I was sadden at first but as time went on I forgot my purpose and now I'm holding the greatest treasure in the world and He is the best" Years went by and one day in the middle of the sea, a tiny vessel carrying thirteen men came upon a storm, which made the twelve fearful. The twelve men woke the sleeping man. He arose and said "Peace be still". The storm was silent and the third tree said, I am carrying the King of heaven and earth and thus I will be cheerful.

Four years passed and one Friday morning the third tree was awakened while her beams were crossed and drugged through the road. A man was nailed to her limbs and lifted high for the entire world to see. The earth shook and then third tree knew what glory that day was bestowed.

God answered the three prayers and blessed the three trees more than they could even envision. God provides and delivers with great precision. Remember, as the New Year approaches and we make resolutions. Think about what you have. Are you trying to compare yourself with others? Are you wanting more than what you have? Pray to God and allow God to make the changes in you. Sometimes our resolutions hinder us because when we do not carry them out then we are angry or upset because we failed by not carrying out our resolutions. Sometimes what we want takes time to become reality. Sometimes what we think is best for us God develops something even better in us. Therefore we have to be patient.

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. (Philippians 3:8-15)

Paul is a remarkable man. He set an example for us on how we can change and make the impossible become possible. He made an extraordinary change and made a great resolution by staying focused on Christ and not upon himself. The process of personal change and the making of new resolutions often has the focus on us trying to do the change instead of allowing Christ in making the change. Take a time, reflect in the past, and notice all the failures occurred when we tried to fix it ourselves. When we took the change upon ourselves to change, we failed.

Many of us look at Peter walking on the water as a failure because he lost focus upon what happened. He wasn't a failure! He was a success. Why? His faith made him a success because he took the first step of faith and began to walk upon the water! How many of us have exercised our faith?

How can we make this New Year's Resolution work? The process of change will have you to face the issues and pain you muster in your life. Then change your perception on changing and be involved. Notice how Paul made the change.

1. Make a resolution that is not based upon the past but the future. Count everything as a loss in your past. Get over your past. What is done is done. Get over the ill feelings of what has occurred. Don't harbor resentment. Learn to forgive those that have inflicted hurt and pain. Paul says," I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." (v.8)

2. Make your resolution not based solely on yourself. It is okay to make resolutions about you. However, making a resolution self centered and without faith based upon I and not including Christ is a self centered resolution. Paul says not having it of my own but it is through faith in Christ that allows us to change. God gives us the change as long as we have it by faith. Paul says, "and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (v.9)

3. Make your resolution shared! Christ already knows what you have been through. Read what He has gone through. Share in the moments of His sufferings. When we come to Christ and turn our life over to Him, He makes things happen. It is a life changing process. It's a new life. A new light which brings you out of past failures into success of the future. Paul says, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (v10-11)

Paul illustrated three things:

A. He wanted to know Christ and that Christ's life gives power for daily living.

B. Paul knows when we change there is pain. It is the sharing of sufferings when we change our hearts.

C. Paul speaks about having Christ's will and not ours when he speaks about the resurrection.

When we share our resolution through Christ we become a different person by daily sacrificing our wills.

4. Make your resolution focused. Paul stayed focused on Christ and realized that he needed to forget the past and move toward what was ahead. The goal of a resolution is not to focus on what focusing on the past, can't do, but what can be done by realizing the potential of the prize that awaits us. Paul says, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (v.12-14) Yesterday's failures emerge larger in our minds. We allow yesterday's failures to dictate tomorrow's results. Just because we failed yesterday doesn't mean we'll fail today. The decisions I make today are what count.

5. Make your resolution a mature one. Prayer is a very important factor. Maturity realizes prayer has to be made first then the resolution can be made. Thru prayer, God will make it clear in your life on how to change and make your resolution happen. Paul says, "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. (v.15)

This New Year could be a time for change. If you are that little sapling and wanting to branch into something wonderful, just remember allow God to mold you and stay focused on Him. He will lead you and make you better than what you can dream possible. If you truly think about it…… He already has…….. He has called us to be a child of His…… .Are you listening? …… You can be a child of God…. .What greater gift of change you can redeem

The Light

Oh blinded eyes, can you not see the world around you that was made for you? Tender hearted children take a glimpse of the future to come. One laugh brings the warmth of souls together in the moment of happiness like a match ignites a bundle of logs in your fireplace. A flash appears before your eyes. Can you see the lightning that strikes in our lives? One moment or one glimpse is all it takes to shine the light. The flash shines bright before our last dying breath. The world spins around us like a merry-go-round. We stay on and on…never getting off the never-ending circle of our lives. If we don’t take a moment to look into and cherish the beauty that is there, all we will see is the blur and no memory of the outside of our world. We will miss out on memories.

It is amazing how God works in our lives. It's not about what we have in this world. The material things we have are like magic which creates illusions of happiness. We try to take a hold of what makes us feel fulfilled, but in the end, the reality is we grow weak, unhappy, and unsatisfied with what there is in our lives. We grow weary because our lives are not filled with the substance, but with illusions.

Why do we dream and then fear the results? Our dreams become shattered like a hourglass. Why do we fear what we do not know? Is it because we are afraid to face ourselves? Are we afraid of the change that might occur? When we settle down in our nesting beds and become cozy like a winter day, we refuse to come out of the warmth - our comfort zone. Why do we want to hide our faces in the covers and not face another new day? Are we afraid of failure or afraid we might succeed? The day draws near like curtains at then end of a production theater play. The final ovation applause echoes into the night.

Fear grips when it becomes dark. What are we afraid of? Children fear the dark – you can see it on their faces. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. So why are they afraid? They are afraid of the unknown. Why can't we face the future? Why do we run from truth when it confronts us? Why do we run from the light when it shines upon us as if we were doing something wrong or mysterious? Why do we have problems looking at ourselves in the mirror? Why do we bow our heads when we are paid a compliment? What is the perception we perceive of ourselves and yet when a statement is made it roars like thunder shaking every moment within us, awakening the fears within. Do we run do and hide? Why can't we try to be like children again and dare to be bold?

A child that is raised correctly in a brilliant home full of love and splendor is not afraid of anything. Yet, put him in the darkness and he cringes like a snake being coiled to protect itself. Darkness makes the strong weak. Yet, the light makes us stronger and bolder. Think about a plant. It draws to the light. The plant will actually draw itself to the source of light and will grow in the direction of the light. Yet, when in darkness, it dies. We say we like the light but when confronted with the light, we run. What is the light? Is it a truth or a reality that you cannot see? Is it a dream you had of which became a reality? Maybe you are overlooking a reality such as a companion that can make your dreams come true.

The light can do many things. What can the light do?

1. It shows us the way. Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ""I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'' John 8:12 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11

2. It uncovers the darkness "For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. Mark 4:22 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "" Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."" This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. ''And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,"" Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'' When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, ""Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.'' Luke 2:8-15

What happens when one turns out the kitchen light? It becomes dark and sometimes hard to find our way. When we struggle in our every day life it is hard to find our way to the light. "in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."2 Corinthians 4:4 Everyone must realize the light is our source of guidance. It is the lighthouse that will guide us to the Father.

When others help......... that is a part of the light.... When we receive a compliment, which is part of the light. Be warmed and attracted to it. What if the wise men didn't follow the light? What if the shepherds where afraid of what appeared to them in the night? Sometimes we become afraid because we do not know the future.

Know this our future is secure in Christ! As long as one can walk in the light as HE is in the light 1 John 1:7 then we will have continued fellowship with Him and there will be nothing to neither be afraid nor worry about. If you shun the light around you and shut off the world to be in darkness, you will feel the coldness so, be attracted to the light. Notice the children are fascinated by the light. Shouldn't you? Follow the star Jesus Christ and let these holidays brighten your future. Thanks be to God for providing us a light to shine bright in our life. Don't hide it and don't run from it! Merry Christmas and pray to God for His Salvation of light which will never go out!

Give a gift and be free.

The holidays are here and time constraints begin ticking like a time bomb. Pressures of life can be like a vice squeezing and holding you into place, even though you choose your course in life. Wherever you may go in life, you must remember the Spirit of God that has called you to freedom. Sometimes someone has allowed friends, jobs, or family to quench the freedom and it kills the life within. Soon, you could find yourself burned out and imprisoned to the earthly things of which you have been called to freedom.

Ever experienced or seen a leaky roof on the inside? A small drip begins and is followed by another drip. Pretty soon it becomes a steady drip. You can put a bucket underneath to catch the drips. Pretty soon if you don’t deal with the roof you have a full bucket. If you don’t empty the bucket it overflows. A small tip will cause a splash.

Sound similar to something else? It should. It could be your life. It could be someone you know. Getting up late in the morning and then spilling coffee on your favorite article of clothing. Someone cuts you off while driving. See the small drips like rain and your catching all the drips. How well is your roof? Prison or jail is not fun. When I was working in the Criminal Investigations Unit for the United States Army, I was able to go to a prison and sit in a pod and watch the inmates. I often pondered what they did in life to put them in this predicament. There were some in prison for being a murderer, some were dealing drugs, some were being a drug addict and in all these cases a wrong or an injustice was made upon a victim. Just being physically imprisoned is nothing into comparison to being emotionally imprisoned.

Many relationships are destroyed by the unwillingness to forgive. Some people want to be able to forgive others or even ones’ own faults and mistakes made in life. Some want to hang on to the suffering and never see closure, in which causes them to be a victim to themselves. Some want to destroy other people’s lives for mistakes which were made to them. Hanging on to a wrong is like keeping a slow stewing volcano within ones soul. The next wrong being done can cause an extreme explosion of anger and violence. Don’t believe me? Remember Columbine High School shooting? What about a spouse that holds on to a suffered wrong and then lashes out in anger because something else just lit the fire. Holding on to suffering from wrong doings is painful and it keeps one stuck in the tar pit. Being stuck in a tar pit like a dinosaur. It will only devour one and soon makes one a living fossil. How can one be able to let go and let God? It is all in perception and attitude of how to encounter the situations one may face. The reality is recognizing that God is in control and that the power to choose to forgive comes from the strength of God.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

If I had a bucket full of rocks is it full? Some have answered yes. If I had a bucket full of water is it full? Some have answered yes. However, if I had a bucket full of rocks it isn’t full. I can still put gravel in, along with sand and water. Then the bucket becomes full with substance. If I had the bucket of water then it is full and if I was to add other things to it, the water would over flow. This was the meaning behind Paul’s message in Colossians. One must put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Notice that Love is the last mentioned and it could be that Love is the hardest to obtain over compassion or being gentle. Love covers a multitude of things. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.When one has love it is easier to choose to forgive than to hold anger within and never to forgive.

Take a big rock and drop it into the bucket of water. Notice how it splashes everywhere. That is anger without forgiveness. Take gravel and pour it into the bucket of rocks. Notice how the gravel blends and melds with the rocks? That is compassion working with gentleness and allowing humility to offer forgiveness when sand and water are added in and together it binds it in love. What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is a way of releasing the pain from the actions of others. From the release one ceases to be a victim and it releases the judgment against the offender. Forgiveness is not just for the offender but mainly designed for the forgiver. Forgiveness is a release from the pain and wrong doing that one has suffered. It is a gift and comfort of peace that mends relationships. What do I mean? Joseph suffered wrongdoing by the hands of his brothers. Genesis 50:17 `This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept. Forgiveness started from God. Man sinned from the beginning. God sent His Son down for one to be able to be forgiven of one’s sin. Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. It is because of HIM all are forgiven. Be free today and forgive others and one will begin to see the burden will be up lifted.

Forgiveness is as if nothing has happened and you work together in rebuilding the relationship. Depression is caused by many things and not forgiving and harboring bitterness is one of them. Jesus could have harbored ill feelings to those who wanted to kill Him but instead, He asked God to forgive them. Life is better when you let go of the wrong which has been done to you. Open you heart and forgive and you can see the burden lifted. God forgave us and that burden of wrong has been lifted. Someday He is coming back to take us home. Don't let an unforgiving or spiteful attitude bind you to the cross. Let go and let GOD uplift your spirit. It's all about Him. Yes, we all make mistakes and yet we are all forgiven.

Therefore, if you’re feeling depressed and under pressure. You’re not quite sure what is wrong, but something is weighing you down. Give a gift of life to yourself and empty out your bucket. Thanks to the Father for the gift of Grace. Tis the Season!

What matters is "Ewe"

As a man walked down to the beach, he noticed the beach was covered with starfish that had washed ashore, thousands of them up and down the beach. There on the beach was a woman picking up one starfish at a time and flinging it back into the sea. The man went up to her and said, "What are you doing? There’s thousands of starfish here. You can’t begin to make a dent in them. Your little effort isn’t going to matter at all." The woman picking up yet another starfish and flinging it into the sea said, "It matters to this one."

One cannot help everyone, however one can help one person at a time. Jesus didn’t heal everyone at once but only healed one at a time. Someone once asked Mother Teresa what she does when she is overwhelmed with the vast needs of the poor in Calcutta. She said she goes out and finds one person that needs the love of God and pours her life into that one person.

Sheep are interesting animals. The bible speaks of them metaphorically to relate to human beings. What are sheep? A female sheep is an ewe and a male sheep is a ram. Just like human babies, when lambs are born, they need some special attention to make sure they live happy and healthy lives. When a lamb is born, it is attached to its mother by an umbilical cord. The shepherd cuts the cord close to the lamb's belly, then dips the part still attached to the lamb in iodine so it will not become infected. Eventually, the cord will dry up and drop off.

Sometimes when a lamb is born, the mother dies, or sometimes she is unable or unwilling to take care of her baby. The shepherd tries to find another ewe that has just had a baby of her own to "adopt" the lamb and accept it as her own. Or, sometimes shepherds keep goats to serve as "nannies" to the lambs. If the shepherd can't find another ewe or goat to care for the lamb, then the lamb must be hand fed with a bottle.

A research scientist after many tests using photographs has determined that not only can sheep recognize up to fifty faces but they can also determine the gender by sight alone. However, sheep can recognize the shepherd by sight and by the shepherd's voice.

John 10:3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."

A shepherd might be able to tend to the entire flock, but when it comes to special needs it can only do one lamb or sheep at a time. However, sheep have a unique relationship with the shepherd. The shepherd knows their sheep and the sheep know their shepherd.

Psalms 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Jesus is our shepherd. Jesus makes a difference. He can make a difference in a person’s life. He is that tender loving shepherd that can tend to your wounds if you let him. Jesus didn't heal multitudes all at once but he healed people one at a time. Notice the majority of miracles He performed and one will noticed He touched them not only on an emotional level but also with a physical touch.

Each of us can make a difference in someone’s life. If one can lay aside the burdens of the past that kills the future of new relationships with others, then one can care for another person. One has too set aside prejudices, past feelings of failed relationships, assumptions hurt emotions and ill feelings towards another and then one can begin to help. The key is getting rid of self and getting rid of the emotional baggage before moving onto the next relationship. We’ve been taught all our lives to be independent, indispensable, and stubborn and supper efficient. An inner voice says, "Prove it to them! You can do it. You don't need anybody's help. You can do it all by yourself." One can never deal with a problem until one can recognize that the problem exists. Sometimes one can feel overwhelmed with issues that sometimes one doesn't know where to begin.

Like the woman at the beach took one starfish at a time and she started to make a difference at the beach. Like Mother Teresa took one person and made a difference in their life at Calcutta. One can make a difference in another person's life. It takes one step at a time and soon like a pebble thrown into the pond the ripple effects will soon spread out.

Sometimes sheep can be helpless and they need the guidance from the shepherd. Sheep also flock together to protect themselves and provide comfort to each other. When one begins to recognize there is a need to help others then one finally has rid their selfishness of self and thus has started producing spiritual growth within one‘s own life. When one moves from being a sheep into a shepherd then one begins to understand the responsibilities and cares of making a difference in someone's life.

From spiritual growth one is able to reach out to others and make a difference. One can go from being a sheep and turn into being a shepherd. Why not make a difference and become a shepherd and help make a difference in someone‘s life. One can complain how the world might be in their eyes, but why not change the world around them and making a difference in someone's life. Why not “pay it forward”? Allow Christ to be your Shepherd by leading you in green pastures of peace and in turn you can make a difference in someone’s life today. It is because of Him that he has already made a difference for “EWE”(you) by sacrificing His life so that you can live.

The Ulitamate Super Hero!

When there was trouble, Peter Parker acted as Spiderman. When there was no trouble, the Daily Bugle kept Peter employed as a photographer. A burglar killed Peter’s Uncle Ben, and Peter was left to help his Aunt May. As Spiderman, Peter apprehends the murderer of his beloved uncle. Still, Peter is plagued with guilt, thinking that if he had stopped the burglar when he first saw him, his Uncle Ben would still be alive. During this time of turmoil, Peter remembers something his Uncle Ben once told him. "With great powers, come great responsibilities". Peter took these words to heart and decided to use his extraordinary powers for doing good for others, and not for selfish reasons. Spiderman had four super-powers, Spider-Strength, Spider-Speed, Spider-Grip, and Spider-Sense.

1. Spider-Strength--The radioactive spider that bit Peter transferred its characteristics into his DNA. Among these traits was the proportionate strength of a common house spider. His incredible physical power gives him great endurance. Coupled with Peter's determination, this makes him virtually unstoppable.

2. Spider-Speed--Peter inherited the arachnid's swift speed. He can move and react several times faster than an ordinary human.

3. Spider-Grip--The most helpful ability is the spider's natural ability to walk on walls and ceilings. Spiderman can attach himself to almost anything, moving or nonmoving.

4. Spider-Sense--The sensation felt from this power helps him to focus-in on the source of danger. It acts like radar, guiding him if he's is struck blind, or plunged into darkness. This sense also warns him of dangers such as concealed weapons and disguised enemies.

The greatest advantage of the spider-sense is that it is used in conjunction with his other abilities. Many readers began to relate to Peter Parker and his realistic, teenage problems like peer pressure. Many desired to be a super-hero like Spiderman, able to cling to walls, sneak around, and have a sixth sense for sensing trouble.

I enjoy Spiderman and other superhero movies. However, in 1 Sam 17: 47 “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.51 David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.

Amazing! A giant that the Philistines called their hero was dead. He had strength! He had power! Yet he was defeated by one small problem and it cost him his life. Sometimes the heros one puts into their life can be defeated. Whether it is a basketball star, football star, relative, or baseball star, any of these will fail at some point.

David was a hero to Israel. He had no super-powers like Spiderman. However, like Spiderman has his equipment to aid him in his job. David had abilities that aided him in becoming a hero.

1. Faith--Faith gives the ability to do anything. Having faith in God one can be like those mentioned in the following verse: 1 Sam 17:37 “’The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the LORD be with you.’”

2. Speed--David had to be quick in his reactions because he was a shepherd. He had to defend his sheep. However, in his quickness, he took the time to listen to God. 1 Sam 17:48 “As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.”

3. Sling & Stones--David had the proper equipment to protect himself and his flock. God also equips one with tools to defend oneself. 1 Sam 17:40 “Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”

4. Courage--David used his faith, speed, and his talents; but it was his faith that best equipped him to do the impossible. 1 Sam 17:45 “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” One can become a hero. Yes, even you can be a hero.

Have faith, hope, and love for others but most of all, have God first in your life. Help others in their time of need and others will begin to see you as their hero. I know it's a play on words but I think you get the idea. There is only one Hero. Jesus Christ! He came back from the dead so that all can have eternal life.

Have faith in Him that He can carry your burdens. Have courage knowing that He can give you the power to overcome the issues and problems that you face in life. Are you down and out? Don't see a future? Are you hurting? 1 Sam 17: 47 “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." The battles in your life are nothing compared to the power that God can give to you; He delivers those problems for you to conquer in your life. Just have faith and let Christ become a hero in your life. It's because of Him. His death, and resurrection that all can have eternal life. Christ is the True and ONLY HERO!

STRESS! UGGGG! How to handle it using the 5 P's.

For those who are into numbers:
25 percent of workers have taken a day off from work to cope with stress.
54 percent of Americans are concerned about the level of stress in their everyday lives.
62 percent of Americans say work has a significant impact on stress levels.
66 percent of Americans say they are likely to seek help for stress.
73 percent of Americans name money as the number one factor that affects their stress level.
Increasing numbers of children, teenagers and college students report feeling under stress. Highly stressed teenagers are twice as likely to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs. Stress contributes to such life-threatening problems as heart attack, stroke, depression and infection, as well as to chronic aches and pains
Sources: American Psychological Association 2004 survey, American Institute of Stress, National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

Wow! This was 4 years ago. Can you imagine what it is today? Now more than ever, due to the concerns of the economy, one can only imagine the percentage of Americans which are under stress. Many questions have been raised in regards to reducing stress. How do we get to this stress level stage?

First, we have to look at long term. This is getting harder in a fast paced and short term culture here in America. Too many want the here and now and not patient enough for the long term goal.

Second, God has to be ranked first in our life. I don’t mean you believe in God. You have to have a relationship with Him. Finally, we have to have a goal and an objective or a vision in our lives. If there are no goals or a vision then things go down the drain.

Don’t believe me? Read the news lately? Seen the big car makers? Ford, GM Chrysler going in their company owned jets to Congress? They all came to Congress to plea for help. Senator Obama was "surprised" executives didn't have a better vision when the Big Three came before Congress last week. You have to live by example. If you are struggling on income then you don’t take a jet to cause more debt. You must live within your means. No wonder these companies are failing. There is no clear cut direction. No vision. No plans. They seem to live in the here and now in a complacent world. Things must change. In order for things to change there has to be a rough period in order to come out better.

I love this story. 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few." 7 "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul." 8 Jonathan said, "Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, 'Wait there until we come to you,' we will stay where we are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, 'Come up to us,' we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands."
Ok. You are asking how this fits into stress. Here is how to lessen stress:

First read 1 Samuel 14, too get the bigger picture.

Second, Jonathan already had a plan. He had a vision. He had a support person. He gave it to God. He trusted in God for deliverance.

Have a plan and a direction in a long term you would like to see happen in five years for your family. For your life.

Share it with a support person. They can hold you accountable. Help when you need help.
Do what you plan on doing but always look for signs that God has opened the door for the direction to take.

Build a relationship with God. Praise and thank Him. Seek wisdom from Him first. Thank Him, afterwards. Praise Him during troubled times.

Third, read these passages:
a. If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; Psalms 37:23 (NAS)
1. Notice: IF…. The Lord delights. Your plan has to be in the direction of a God spirit filled
heart.
2. IF your plans are spirit filled and with the right intentions God will make sure your plans are firm.

b. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
1. In our heart we make plans for the direction and vision we want to go. Just like Jonathan had a plan. Yet, Jonathan sought out God for direction.
2. When we make a plan and carefully prayed then act on the plan. God will let you know if your course is right. This is where building a relationship with Him comes into play.

3. A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way? Proverbs 20:24 (NAS)
a. We can’t understand our direction. We get stressed out when we do things on the fly.
b. God directs our steps in the way He desires for us to go. When we don’t go that way, God is like a parent and guides us into that action. Stress is induced when it doesn’t go OUR way. Remember it is His way and sometimes we have to have patience.

Finally, realize the following: "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" 2 Peter 1:3 (NAS). God provides everything. It is up to us to determine how we live.

Make choices to live within your means so you don’t bring on financial stress. Remember, Eve who wanted it now by the deception of the serpent. Curve the appetite to do it now. Have a vision and a direction you would like to go and walk it. Allow God to be the beacon in the night of your life so you know where to carefully step. Sometimes, we are like Abraham and going somewhere we have never been before, but always trusting in God’s deliverance to the destination.

For nine years I have had three mortgages on my home, due to an unwilling and unforgiving ex-spouse who was constantly taking me into court over trivial things. I also kept refusing the signs God in what He was showing me. God wanted me to do something in my life of counseling others and helping others. I thought I don’t have the money, or the time to devote to something different. This year is amazing, because I sat down and wrote out a vision for my life in the next 5 years. I planned to go back to school and work on my Master’s degree in counseling. I paid for the first course and built my relationship with God. Sure, I had a relationship with Him, but it wasn’t the best it could have been. Today, receiving A’s in my courses. I have one mortgage with less payment. Have the funds to finish school. Why didn’t I learn this lesson nine years ago; stress which could have been avoided a long time ago?

You have five fingers. Sometimes we put a bow around our fingers to remind us of something to do.

Here are the five bows to remember how to reduce stress:
1. Plan, your goals and visions 5 years out. (once you complete do another five years and make
them realistically obtainable). (In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9)

2. Prepare, by looking for ways to get your vision and goals accomplished. Bring in support
people to help or to support you. (2 Timothy 2:21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.)

3. Pray, constantly and build the trust and faith in God that He will delight in your ways or show you a better way to accomplish it and if not ask for directions. . (Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.)

4. Proactive, in looking for opportunities to present itself. Hard to look when you see the shadow on the ground, while the big picture is looking up in the sky. (Philippians 4:13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead)

5. Practice. What you believe in. Live your life like you are living your vision. (Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.)

May you have a blessed day with less stress and don’t forget to pray to build that relationship with Him. What a blessed Savior!